Sidra Arab Jirga Killing Suspect Confesses to Armed Raid and Abduction Attempt
Kalashnikov-Carrying Suspect Confesses in Sidra Arab Jirga Killing Case
The gruesome murder of Sidra Arab Gul — allegedly carried out on the orders of a local jirga — continues to unravel, as new confessions and evidence surface.
Police have officially filed a case under the Punjab Arms Ordinance 2015 following a complaint and investigation. One of the main suspects, Asmat Ullah, has confessed to carrying an unlicensed Kalashnikov rifle to Muzaffarabad on July 16 in an attempt to retrieve Sidra.
He admitted to storming the home of Sidra’s second husband, Usman, alongside Saleh Muhammad, Amani Gul, and others. Armed and determined, they reportedly threatened Usman to force Sidra back to Rawalpindi.
In a chilling revelation, Asmat Ullah claimed that Sidra was ultimately killed based on a decision made by a local jirga, a traditional community council. Police later recovered the Kalashnikov rifle based on his tip, though he failed to present a license for the weapon.
Second Husband Comes Forward
The case took a dramatic turn on the night of July 26, when Usman — Sidra’s alleged second husband surrendered to police. Official documents confirm the couple married on July 12, 2025, in Muzaffarabad.
Before her death, Sidra had appeared before a judicial magistrate, declaring that she married Usman out of her own free will. She also expressed fear for her life, requesting protection from the court. Her statement mentioned that her father was deceased and her mother had remarried her uncle.
Usman’s Family Speaks Out
In a video statement, Usman’s father, Muhammad Ilyas, revealed more about Sidra’s troubled circumstances. He said Sidra fled her home to avoid an arranged marriage and took refuge with them. Ilyas spent nearly Rs. 40,000 to ensure Sidra could complete legal paperwork in court.
However, just four days after their marriage, ten armed men raided their home, threatening the family. Though Sidra’s relatives assured a “respectful farewell,” she was allegedly killed two days later. The family learned of her death through media reports.
Fearing retaliation and false charges, Ilyas handed Usman over to the police and requested security for his family.
Jirga and Murder Plot Unfolds
The incident, which occurred in Pirwadhai, Rawalpindi, has shocked the nation. According to police, Sidra was allegedly murdered by her husband, Ziaur Rehman, following the jirga’s verdict against her.
A high-level investigation team has since been formed. Police say multiple individuals, including those involved in the jirga, have confessed during questioning.
Sources confirm that Ziaur Rehman and his father have made “significant revelations,” suggesting a broader conspiracy behind the killing.
The case continues to highlight the deadly consequences of parallel justice systems and honour-based violence — issues that remain deeply rooted in parts of Pakistan.
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